Budgerigar Parakeet or Common Pet Parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Characteristics
In wild budgies, the plumage has a yellow base color. Overlying blue color gives a light green appearance to most of the bird’s body, although the head is yellow. Black barring begins on the head and continues down the back and onto the wings. There is a small violet patch on each cheek and a necklace of several black dots. The two longest tail feathers usually appear dark blue to black. The color of the cere varies according to age, sex, and breeding condition. Budgie breeders have developed a number of color varieties. One of the most common variations is a mutation that gets rid of the yellow base color, producing blue birds with white heads instead of green birds with yellow heads. Other variations may change the color or presence of the markings or produce a “pied” (or patched) appearance. Some birds are solid yellow or white.
Social Behavior
Prefers to be kept in pairs or colonies. Friendly little birds, especially when kept together in a large cage indoors.
Diet
All parakeets and parrots need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. A seed-only diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a parakeet or parrot should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help with more information.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Fertility
Budgerigars breed well, especially when kept in large groups or colonies and allowed to chose their own mates. Nest boxes should be 20 x 20 x 25 cm with an entrance diameter of 4.5 cm. The hens will lay 3-6 eggs which hatch in about 18 days.
Health
All parakeets and parrots should be examined by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines may be fatal.
Warnings
All parrakeets and parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
